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2023 GMC Terrain Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2023 GMC Terrain Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2023 GMC Terrain has 31 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.9/ 10

Based on 31 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

5 16.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 12.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 12.9%

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

3 9.7%

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 9.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 16.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 15 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2023 GMC Terrain

The 2023 GMC Terrain has 31 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2023 GMC Terrain are ENGINE (5), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2023 GMC Terrain?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2022 Terrain complaints2024 Terrain complaints2021 Terrain complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 15 of 15 systems

ENGINE

5 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I bought a 2023 GMC Terrian SLE brand new 14 months ago. It has 30,000 miles on it. I was driving down [XXX] and the car turned off. No warning signs! Not to mention The car had no power! I couldn’t even put on my emergency flashers! Me and my 3 year old son luckily were able to make it through a lane of traffic and up the embankment to call for help! I had the car towed to the dealership and they can’t find anything wrong with it! The car is acting normal now but I don’t feel safe in it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/19/2024

Rear main seal leak car has been with dealer since 12/30/24 until present day. No updates other than I may need a engine.

1/24/2025

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact's husband owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact pressed the Push to Start button several times, and the vehicle restarted. The message "Reduced Engine Performance" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to drive; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle turned off. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the message "Condition Not Correct for Shift" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving out of the driveway on another occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on each occasion; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

1/5/2024

I bought a 2023 GMC Terrian SLE brand new 14 months ago. It has 30,000 miles on it. I was driving down [XXX] and the car turned off. No warning signs! Not to mention The car had no power! I couldn’t even put on my emergency flashers! Me and my 3 year old son luckily were able to make it through a lane of traffic and up the embankment to call for help! I had the car towed to the dealership and they can’t find anything wrong with it! The car is acting normal now but I don’t feel safe in it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/19/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

At stop light turning right, the car stalled, cut on and cut back off, cut on and back off with about 30 cars behind me. Sputtering. On the dash board it said “Engine power reduced”. I had to be pushed out a main highway by police, and thankfully my [XXX] daughter wasn’t in the back seat. I have had this car 12 days with 48256 miles on it. I’m extremely concerned with the safety of this car. And when towed was leaking gas like fluid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

3/16/2025

While driving 40-45 mph the engine light came on and 50% loss of power was displayed on screen. Thankfully I wasn’t far from home and was in limp mode for the last 2 miles. The mileage of vehicle is 42,000 miles. The codes are reading low fuel pressure and faulty fuel pump. Any help would be appreciated as this shouldn’t be happening to this new of a vehicle.

3/23/2025

2 more complaints are available in this category.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

3 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Please let me

2/12/2024

When I bought the vehicle new from dealership, they told me that side blind zone alert was not available at that time due to a semiconductor shortage, but that it would be available and could be retrofitted after they were available. I noticed that the 2022 retrofit had been authorized, and I need to know when I will be able to get this option retrofitted on my vehicle. It has horrible blind spots, and I have to literally turn around completely to see if there is anyone in the blind spots which is very dangerous because I’m taking my eyes off the vehicles in front of me to see the blind spots. This is dangerous in city driving where you are going 70mph in 4-6 lane traffic, almost bumper to bumper. If someone hits the brakes while I’m checking blind spots, then that could cause a wreck. I have all the other driver assistance, so the front braking will brake, but it is not a good idea for that to happen when someone is riding on your rear when the brakes slam on. I know I’m unique because I only see out of one eye at a time, but I believe this would still be a terrible issue for anyone trying to drive in traffic. I know the assistance packages don’t replace human interaction, but I do rely on those options to help me because of my eye condition. I told that to the dealer when I purchased this vehicle and they assured me that it was just a result of the shortages and it would be available for retrograde. I have called the dealer three or four times to check on this because at first they told me I was on the list and they would call me when the chip came in and they said it would be a few months. Well it’s been over a year and when I call now, they say it isn’t available and I asked them if I could just purchase the system myself instead of waiting for the recall, and they said I probably couldn’t afford it or it be worth it. I have looked on your site and others and I’ve seen nothing about it being in the works, so I want to report it so maybe you will look into it.

8/12/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and independently shifted into neutral. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a possible fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the failure occurred while on a trip. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer when she returned home. In addition, the contact stated that in December 2024, the high-pressure fuel tank was replaced by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,600.

1/24/2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle the lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, causing fuel to leak into the oil, resulting in damages to the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,000.

6/26/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The problem with this car that continues is that when driving over 65 miles per hour/ more or less, the driver side door rattles and shakes. It rattle and it looks like if the door wants to detach. It only happens on the driver side, not the passenger side. I put my arm on the arm rest, and my arm shakes and that is not ok. I am concern and want to know what can be done about it. I do not feel comfortable driving when this happens and its a new car, it should not have this problem. The problem started right after I purchased the car and I already took it to service it and they said it was the tires not having enough air, but that's not the case, cause it still doing it. I need to take it to service it again Please advise what can be done about it and if they can find what the problem can be. Your assistance is very much appreciated. Thank you.

10/5/2023

I bought a 2023 GMC Terrian SLE brand new 14 months ago. It has 30,000 miles on it. I was driving down [XXX] and the car turned off. No warning signs! Not to mention The car had no power! I couldn’t even put on my emergency flashers! Me and my 3 year old son luckily were able to make it through a lane of traffic and up the embankment to call for help! I had the car towed to the dealership and they can’t find anything wrong with it! The car is acting normal now but I don’t feel safe in it! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

4/19/2024

POWER TRAIN

2 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

My vehicle continues to slip and jerk out of gear , brought in to a local Chevy dealership , they test drive the vehicle and Acknowledge the issue. They updated transmission software and give it back to me to drive for 1000 miles or 30 days and see if the problem continues. Problem gets worse slipping and jerking more and more , made appointment dealership cancels my appointment saying they have no transmission tech come back next month for an appointment . Same thing no transmission tech available go somewhere else

12/23/2024

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, and entering the roadway from the driveway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost electrical power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle used a push-button gear shift PRNDL, and the contact was unable to set the vehicle into park(P) to restart the engine. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts and drove the vehicle to a dealer. The contact stated that on the drive to the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated, but they kept driving. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,825.

8/19/2025

AIR BAGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Please let me

2/12/2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

No warnings of any kind went off; I wasn’t even going 2 m.p.h. and hit a piece of wood that was right on the edge of the grass next to the road at the park. This is dangerous, especially at a park or other places where smaller children are present if I get that close to something and the none of the sensors go off letting me know there is something/someone that my vehicle could strike if not careful. I have not had it looked at yet, but plan to. No warnings of any kind have went off and it was functioning properly prior to this. There is severe damage to my vehicle

8/14/2024

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

No warnings of any kind went off; I wasn’t even going 2 m.p.h. and hit a piece of wood that was right on the edge of the grass next to the road at the park. This is dangerous, especially at a park or other places where smaller children are present if I get that close to something and the none of the sensors go off letting me know there is something/someone that my vehicle could strike if not careful. I have not had it looked at yet, but plan to. No warnings of any kind have went off and it was functioning properly prior to this. There is severe damage to my vehicle

8/14/2024

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 70-71 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There was a red flashing light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the message that the sensor was dirty was displayed. The contact stated that the windshield was clean and clear but utilized the windshield wipers, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 6,912.

11/20/2024

VISIBILITY

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 70-71 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There was a red flashing light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the message that the sensor was dirty was displayed. The contact stated that the windshield was clean and clear but utilized the windshield wipers, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 6,912.

11/20/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle the lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump, causing fuel to leak into the oil, resulting in damages to the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,000.

6/26/2025

STEERING

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the Life369 app. My son's description was that it felt like the wheels were against a wall and the wheel wouldn't turn even though he was using both hands in an attempt to turn. My son said there was no warning lights or any other indication that he noticed, other than the complete locking up of the steering. The resulting rollover into the ditch has totaled the vehicle so it was not inspected by any collision shop. I attempted to check the steering in the tow yard but the vehicle had no power.

7/16/2025

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report3% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the Life369 app. My son's description was that it felt like the wheels were against a wall and the wheel wouldn't turn even though he was using both hands in an attempt to turn. My son said there was no warning lights or any other indication that he noticed, other than the complete locking up of the steering. The resulting rollover into the ditch has totaled the vehicle so it was not inspected by any collision shop. I attempted to check the steering in the tow yard but the vehicle had no power.

7/16/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2023 GMC Terrain?

The most reported complaint category for the 2023 GMC Terrain is ENGINE, with 5 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2023 GMC Terrain a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 19 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2023 GMC Terrain?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2023 GMC Terrain severe?

19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Terrain: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
31
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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